Joined Feb 2017
232 Posts | 0+
Washington, DC
Look What Arrived Today!
- Thread starter MartyGarrison
- Start date
Joined Feb 2017
232 Posts | 0+
Washington, DC
Joined Oct 2015
38 Posts | 0+
Chatham
Joined Feb 2017
232 Posts | 0+
Washington, DC
Picked the new 930 up today. I took my learners course in October and bought a Honda CRF250l. I have ridden the heck out of the bike but moving up to the Strada is going to be a steep learning curve. First of all the brakes are so much more sensitive, and when the torque kicks in this bike is a bat out of hell. The low seat allowing me to flatfoot is helpful though. The Honda has a 35 inch seat height after I upgraded to a Race Tech suspension. I like the similar upright position but will have to get used to the rear brake lever. It seems much closer to the peg than the Honda. I'm going to take it slow...
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Joined Jan 2015
465 Posts | 2+
Victoria BC Canada
Congrats.. and you're right, that is one HELL of a leap from a 250cc to a 939cc. There's about 100 hp and 50 ft/lbs torque difference the two..
When I was learning (and still am) it took me almost 15 years of riding before I was even tempted to move up to the 750-1000cc class bikes. Watch out and ride safe man.
When I was learning (and still am) it took me almost 15 years of riding before I was even tempted to move up to the 750-1000cc class bikes. Watch out and ride safe man.
Joined Feb 2017
232 Posts | 0+
Washington, DC
I have a healthy fear. I was in touring mode today but am going to drop it down to urban mode for the foreseeable future. There is also a nice duel lane one way three mile loop here in DC with virtually no cars. It's about two miles of street riding from my house. This is where I will practice.
Joined Jan 2015
465 Posts | 2+
Victoria BC Canada
Remember to drag that rear brake during the slow speed stuff.
But, if you want to get the most out of that bike, look at taking an advanced riding course. They're worth their weight in gold learning how to make that bike do some amazing stuff.
But, if you want to get the most out of that bike, look at taking an advanced riding course. They're worth their weight in gold learning how to make that bike do some amazing stuff.
Smart. I took a similar jump and did the same thing for a couple of months. In time you'll get the rhythm of the machine, be in the right gear at the right time etc.. Until then, there'll be a few popped clutches, some lugging and a couple of WTFs. No big deal.
Joined Feb 2017
232 Posts | 0+
Washington, DC
Rode the Hyper for three hours around Washington today. Kept her in Urban mode the whole time. Impressions; Very easy to ride, nimble. Doesn't like to go slow, esp stop and go traffic. Loves to accelerate having the rpm's above 4k. Great brakes! Very stiff suspension. Loads of fun. I bought the right bike!
Joined Feb 2017
232 Posts | 0+
Washington, DC
Zibbit please explain. I tried feathering the clutch as best I could but it just seemed like the bike would buck or lug. I just couldn't get it smooth unless I had higher revs and and higher revs it goes too fast even in first, hence the clutch feathering. I'm all ears!
Feathering the clutch is good - you'll get the rhythm. At this point, I find it fine around town, but it is a big twin, so it won't be smooth under about 3k rpm. I'm working the clutch, the throttle, and sometimes the rear brake. Not even thinking about it - took a few months.
In town, I also tend to short shift - quick shifts up to 3rd gear when speeds allow - this helps with engine braking and smoothness.
For me, the rear brake is good for slow speed maneuvering - just a touch will stabilize the machine. I think it's because the revs are up for a given speed, so the gyroscopic forces are higher.
In town, I also tend to short shift - quick shifts up to 3rd gear when speeds allow - this helps with engine braking and smoothness.
For me, the rear brake is good for slow speed maneuvering - just a touch will stabilize the machine. I think it's because the revs are up for a given speed, so the gyroscopic forces are higher.
Joined Feb 2017
232 Posts | 0+
Washington, DC
Folks a 100 miles today out into the horse country north of Washington. Zip was correct on the short shifting! Made a huge difference, that and getting it out of Urban mode into touring! Also when you just use the back brake in stop and go it stops the front from dipping and gives a smoother ride. A couple of new things I noticed. The suspension is so dang stiff! It's like there are no springs at all in the forks! I feel every small bump. Not sure I would really want to tour the US on this without an upgrade. I put a full Race Tech system, shock, gold valves etc on my Honda CRF250l and it just glides over the road now. Anyway one other thing. At about 100 miles out the gas light came on?? So I pull over maybe 10 mile later and fill her up. She only took 2.7 gallons to the brim! Granted I was on a side stand but I had a gallon and a half left in her and the fuel light came on!
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Enjoy your new bike Marty. Personally I've been surprised how much I use the Urban mode, it's perfect for city roads. Touring is the first choice as soon as the city limits are breached, and Sports comes into play whenever there's a full moon.
Joined Nov 2012
1K Posts | 9+
Mobile Al.
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